By Kristin Schuller
Coyote can be Seen on the Minnesota Trail
The Minnesota Zoo is situated in the suburb of Apple Valley, just south of
Minneapolis/St. Paul. It is a 10-minutes' drive from the Mall of America, and is accessible via the #440 bus, which runs between the Mall and the Zoo Monday through Saturday. The Minnesota Zoo is home to almost 3,000 animals from over 400 species, many of which are endangered.
Wows and Woes
Wows:
• Walking trails allow you to see animals from all environments.
• The monorail lets you see the sights of several Northern hemispheres trails from the comfort of an elevated train.
• Trails, buildings and monorail are wheelchair accessible.
Woes:
• The Farm exhibit, one of the most enjoyable for children, is only open spring through fall.
• The Zoo is a popular field trip destination, and can get crowded in April and May.
• Shark feeding in the coral reef tank is an amazing sight, but only happens in front of the public a few days a week.
Insider Tips
• Take the bus to the Zoo from the Mall of America and present your bus transfer at the Zoo ticket office to receive an admission discount.
• To avoid costly concession food, pack a picnic lunch. The Zoo offers picnic tables for you to lunch outdoors.
• Minnesota weather can be brutal. Want to store that winter coat while you explore the Tropics? Coin-operated lockers are available at the base of the Tropics Trail.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Feed the Goats at the Family Farm Exhibit
While seeing so many endangered species was awe-inspiring, my favorite part of the Minnesota Zoo was the Family Farm exhibit. For a quarter you can feed plump goats that paw you and act as though they are starving. For several quarters you can be all the goats' best friend. Expect to come away with hands full of slobber, clothes full of grime, stomach sore from laughing and a camera full of memories.
Bottom Line
Sharks Circle the Coral Reef Exhibit
With trails and exhibits that offer sightings of moose and wolves, to coral reefs that house sharks and sea turtles, there is something for everyone at the Minnesota Zoo.
Resources
About the Author:
Kristin Schuller holds a Master of Arts in teaching and certification in clinical research from Boston University. She has been editing since 1998 and writing since birth. Her stories and articles have appeared in "The Pearl," "Coe Review," and "Endocrine Practice." Schuller is currently assistant editor of a medical journal and is working on a research study assessing infant thyroid function.
Photo Credits:
freestockphotos.com
everystockphoto.com
everystockphoto.com
